Fashion and accesories retailer Claire’s is eyeing a potential sale of the business, according to reports.
Claire’s is understood to be exploring a sale as it continues to battle rising costs as a result of US tariffs and increased competition, as first reported by Bloomberg.
Sources said bankers at Houlihan Lokey have started a search for potential new buyers of part of or all of Claire’s, including its stores in North America and Europe.
The retailer, known for its accessories and piercings, is currently owned by US investors JP Morgan, Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital.
Claire’s operates 2,750 stores globally including 281 stores on UK high streets and retail parks. It also has more than 300 franchised stores mainly located in the Middle East and South Africa, according to its website.
Claire’s and Monarch Alternative Capital did not respond to a request for comment, while Elliott Management and Houlihan Lokey declined to comment.
This comes after Bloomberg reported last month that the business needs to address an almost $500m (£367.3m) loan in December 2026, and recently opted to defer interest payments on its debt to conserve cash.
Sales at Claire’s declined 0.8% in the UK last year, according to the most recent accounts filed to Companies House.
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